How many of you remember watching any of the 1954 NBC television series Victory at Sea? This was my first introduction to television and the Victory at Sea program when I was a 10-year-old living in Grand Junction, Colorado.
A few years ago, we bought the 26-episode series, but it wasn’t until a few nights ago, when my wife and I decided to watch it as a replacement for our regular nightly news. Over a couple of evenings my wife and I watched all the episodes. The series is well edited cinematic footage from the U.S. military, Nazi Germany, the Japanese government, and other foreign governments of that time. Thinking about the program was both nostalgic and very emotional for both of us.
For two people in their late 70’s, it was a wonderful reminder of the tyranny of brutal dictatorship, while also reminding us of some great moments in United States history. It highlights how the U.S. troops were cheered by thankful crowds of people freed from the Nazi government in Italy and France. It showcased an amazing demonstration of the great manufacturing capacity of the United States, but mainly how people can come together.
The film shows the great loss of life in all the countries involved in the many horrible battles in Europe and the Pacific war. It is a sad story of those on both sides of the war who suffered pain and death on the battlefield, and of many who would not be returning to loved ones back home. Those thoughts make me cry.
In the series, there are also several photos of soldiers tenderly holding small babies who were unfortunate victims of the war. There are pictures of men helping local people with domestic chores because they simply wanted to be helpful to those whose homeland was being destroyed by the war. Elderly men and women who were too old to fight in the war are also shown working hard to make the machinery and clothing to assist with the efforts.
Watching this series reminded me that the United States of America demonstrated that it was a good country with so many amazing people, and it still is. I believe the future is bright and hopeful because collectively, we are a good, kind, and caring people.
So, with a (near) empty bank account and a full heart (let’s not talk about the two homecoming dresses my daughter just bought), I leave you with this list of Don’ts so that you can feel a little less alone when you look the 200 Robucks in your son’s Roblox account that very well could be five gallons of milk in your refrigerator.
